by Olivia P. Tucker
Intern Reporter
Scottsburg City Council voted to approve the request of Highway 56 Properties LLC to change the zoning of a 54 acre parcel at 1539 West Street Road 56 Scottsburg from agricultural to industrial, when they met Monday, June 27, at city hall
Council President Chuck Rose asked about the intentions of the building that is planned to be built at the location.
Dan Cristiani Excavating Co. Inc. president Chris Jackson said that plans were not firmed up yet but they will install utilities and do an environmental study on the property. According to Jackson, most businesses want everything lined up before they consider moving into a building.
Council member Chris Albertson expressed concerns on the traffic, which Jackson said that there would be a traffic study done. He added that they had already reached out to the Indiana Department of Transportation about a roundabout that is going to be built at Boatman Road and Highway 56. Jackson also said that they will work on the INDOT to make sure that there is a plan in place for traffic.
“I think we are very lucky for you guys to invest in Scottsburg, “ said council member Christian Evans. He added that he liked the reputation that Dan Cristiani Excavating Co. has and asked that the council support the decision to approve the rezoning. Evans said that the project was at a great location.
Carmen Boley, Executive Director of the Scottsburg Board of Zoning Appeals, told the council that after the zoning was approved by the council that the development plan (submitted by the company) would need to be approved. If that gets approved then if the council would like to change anything that they could, she said.
Council member Ric Mann said he was skeptical at first but the presentation that Jackson had given had won him over. Mann said that he believed that it was a good project and they were working with people that are best for the city of Scottsburg.
Rose said that he agreed with Evans on the reputation of Dan Cristiani Excavating Co. and brought up that there are apartments close to the area is and the residential construction could pick up as there is the possibility of a business to be brought in.